Assessing the toxicological significance of new psychoactive substances in fatalities

Drug Test Anal. 2018 Jan;10(1):120-126. doi: 10.1002/dta.2225. Epub 2017 Jul 26.

Abstract

The number of new psychoactive substances (NPS) has increased significantly, especially within the last 5 years. The EMCDDA conducts risks assessments of such substances, especially in relation to serious adverse events. Examination of the individual health risks of a substance is a fundamental requirement of the process. Based on a number of considerations, the Toxicological Significance Score has been developed to support the risk assessment of NPS by allowing the role of a substance in deaths to be better assessed and classified.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Drug Overdose / diagnosis
  • Drug Overdose / mortality*
  • Europe / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Illicit Drugs / toxicity*
  • Psychotropic Drugs / toxicity*
  • Risk Assessment / methods
  • Substance-Related Disorders / diagnosis
  • Substance-Related Disorders / mortality*

Substances

  • Illicit Drugs
  • Psychotropic Drugs